The Senior Bowl, held in Mobile, Ala., is an opportunity for senior football players to showcase their talents in front of pro scouts and coaches.
And Former Ohio State football players Ross Homan and Dane Sanzenbacher were invited to the field.
Homan and Sanzenbacher understand the importance of the opportunity.
“The best players in the nation are out here, competing and trying to showcase their skills,” Homan said.
Being at your best and separating yourself from the rest is something Homan said is crucial in a game like this.
“It’s very important. You’re always being evaluated every time you step on the field,” Homan said. “It’s a huge job interview; that’s the way I look at it.”
Sanzenbacher agreed.
“It’s an opportunity for you to show your talents and stand out from everybody else,” he said.
Since the Sugar Bowl, Homan and Sanzenbacher have been training for the NFL draft process. Both were recently invited to the NFL Combine, and both said they plan to attend.
During practice, Homan said coaches and scouts have been telling him to keep doing what he is doing and to relax and play to his ability.
Sanzenbacher, who was a late addition to the Senior Bowl, had his first day of practice Tuesday, and said the competition there is one of a kind.
“You can’t really replace that competition. It makes everybody better,” he said. “You’re working with some of the best players in the nation and it makes every rep that much more critical.”
Being so close to the NFL, Homan said he is ready to make the most of the opportunity.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I have dreamed of it since I was a little kid, and now I have the opportunity to make it a reality.”
Sanzenbacher said the feeling is surreal.
“It’s weird. It doesn’t feel that close,” Sanzenbacher said. “There’s still a lot of steps that you need to go through to actually put on that jersey and play in the NFL.”
Homan’s ultimate goal is to be a success and leave nothing undone.
“Just be successful; just have no regrets,” Homan said. “Never look back and wish I could have done this or could have done that.”
Sanzenbacher has different ambitions.
“(I want) to put myself in a position to be successful after football,” Sanzenbacher said. “Obviously you want to play well and take (football) as far as you can, but ultimately, while you’re playing, set yourself up for the future.”
Neither Homan nor Sanzenbacher has a preference of what team he would like to compete for. They said would just be grateful for the chance to play in the NFL.
Sanzenbacher said he would never forget the experiences he had playing for OSU.
“It kind of made me the football player that I am,” he said. “Being able to run out on Senior Day, to get your name announced as captain and your family on the field was definitely up there for me.”
What Homan will remember most about OSU is his success on the team.
“The close games, battles, sealing the deal on Big Ten championships,” Homan said. “Everything we’ve won, I’ll keep memory of.”
The Senior Bowl will be televised at 4 p.m. Saturday on the NFL Network.
